Livestock producers face constant challenges in maintaining healthy animals and efficient systems. One problem that often goes unnoticed is biofilm, a hidden source of contamination that can quietly affect herd and flock performance, water quality, and productivity.
Biofilm is one of the most costly and overlooked issues in modern livestock operations. It forms inside water lines, tanks, and equipment, protecting bacteria from sanitizers and antibiotics. Over time, it leads to contamination, corrosion, reduced performance, and higher operating costs.
Even when water appears clean, biofilm can harbor harmful bacteria that spread through herds and flocks, lowering feed efficiency and animal health.
What Is Biofilm and Why It Matters
Biofilm is a layer of microorganisms that attach to surfaces and produce a sticky protective coating. Once it forms in a water system, bacteria can become up to 1,000 times more resistant to traditional sanitizers like bleach or peracetic acid.
Pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Pseudomonas survive inside biofilm, contaminating drinking water and contributing to performance losses in poultry and cattle.
The Real Cost of Biofilm in Livestock
Biofilm buildup affects both animal health and operational efficiency:
- Reduced waterline performance and flow rates
- Increased bacterial contamination in drinking water
- Higher mortality and disease pressure
- Poorer feed conversion and slower weight gain
- Lower milk production in dairy herds
- Increased corrosion and maintenance costs
- Greater risk of noncompliance with regulatory standards
These hidden effects add up to significant financial losses over time, even in well-managed facilities.
Why Traditional Sanitizers Fall Short
Most sanitizers only kill surface bacteria. Inside biofilm layers, chlorine and peroxide lose strength quickly, leaving live colonies protected underneath. This allows contamination to return shortly after cleaning.
To fully eliminate biofilm, waterline disinfection must use a chemistry that penetrates the biofilm and destroys microorganisms at their source.
Ultra-Pure Chlorine Dioxide for Livestock Water Systems
Ultra-pure chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) from Selective Micro Technologies provides a complete solution for biofilm control in livestock operations. It penetrates the biofilm structure and oxidizes bacteria, mold, and viruses without creating harmful residues or corrosion.
At 100 ppm, ultra-pure ClO₂ kills almost all pathogens faster and more effectively than bleach. When diluted 100x to 1 ppm, it is safe for animal and human drinking water.
With 99.9999 percent purity, it leaves no chlorates or chlorites and meets EPA, FDA, and NSF standards for food, water, and equipment use.
How to Apply Ultra-Pure ClO₂ in Livestock Water Systems
Shocking Water Treatment Systems
At times, wells and water systems need a deep clean, especially when:
- Tests show bacterial contamination
- Water has persistent biofilm, odors, discoloration, or slime
- A new well has been drilled or equipment has been serviced
Shock Treatment Steps:
- Prepare a Selectrocide solution at 50–100 ppm depending on contamination level.
- Fill the tank completely with the solution.
- Run the solution through transfer lines, pipes, and equipment.
- Top off the tank with solution if needed to ensure full coverage.
- Circulate or let stand in the tank and lines for at least 10 minutes.
- Drain tanks and lines, then flush with potable water until disinfectant levels return below 1 ppm.
Ongoing Maintenance
After shocking, maintain safe dosing levels with Selectrocide at 0.25–1 ppm.
Residual chlorine dioxide must remain below 0.8 ppm for potable water.
Regular testing with low-range test strips (0–10 ppm) ensures compliance.
This keeps livestock drinking water safe, clean, and reliable without affecting taste or odor.
Benefits of Ultra-Pure ClO₂ in Livestock Operations
- Cleaner waterlines and consistent water quality
- Lower bacterial load in drinking water
- Decreased mortality and infection rates
- Improved feed conversion and faster weight gain
- Increased milk production and healthier herds
- Reduced corrosion and maintenance costs
- Fully compliant with EPA, FDA, and NSF standards
By removing biofilm safely and completely, livestock producers protect animal health, improve efficiency, and strengthen profitability across poultry, cattle, and other production systems.
Learn More
Selective Micro Technologies manufactures ultra-pure chlorine dioxide systems trusted by livestock producers, poultry farms, and dairy operations across North America. To learn how to integrate Selectrocide into your waterline or facility sanitation program, contact us today.
Email: info@selectivemicro.com
Phone: (888) 423-8802
Website: www.selectivemicro.com
Ready to Improve Water Quality and Animal Performance
See how ultra-pure ClO₂ can improve flock and herd health, increase performance, and lower operating costs. Request a free sample or schedule a quick 15-minute call with our technical team to learn more about how Selectrocide can fit into your livestock operation.